I had the privilege of seeing Ben Folds in concert back in March, which was even more incredible that I had always imagined. I’ve been a fan ever since the first time I heard Brick on the radio and to get Ben Folds with just a piano for couple hours was awesome! Not only did he jam out on some crowd favorites but he explored current technology by breaking out a disguising hoodie and a laptop with video for several rounds of Chatroulette (visit at your own risk – its the latest online sketchy-social networking craze). He not only tried the sessions once, but twice – in his encore! It was the funniest thing I have ever experienced at a show. He broke out improvised numbers to try and get actual chatters to interact and even had some successes (thank goodness – one can only take so many dark screens and unexplained fleshy areas). Overall … I hope this is a staple in Ben Folds tour, because the crew I went with certainly enjoyed it!

Sorry for the haitus folks, I entered into “Wedding Season” and suddenly had a very full schedule with weddings to design for and attend! Such an exciting time/ age to be in and I’m really glad I’ve fallen into design wedding invitations and other such paper goods – I find it very fulfilling. Its design that actually matters to someone (more than just commercialism) – I love getting to be a part of such a significant point in a couples lives. I’ve also gotten the chance to photograph an engagement session and be the day of designer and coordinator for a wedding – pretty incredible. Along with that I’ve designed for birthdays and baby showers to boot! Keep an eye on http://www.thegirltyler.com, big changes and additions to come soon! Thanks for the readership I have right now, I’m glad there are folks that are interested in what I have to say!

You can spot a pair of Louboutins from a mile away by their signature red soles (something most fashionista’s drool over). Well now not only can you flash firey shoes, but offer reading material too. The latest Louboutin’s – Tell Me Peep Toe Pumps and Tell Me Tell You Ankle Boots – use leather and cut outs to make a design out of typography on the shoes. Brilliant! As a designer, I’m always looking for new and creative uses of fonts, but this one takes the cake recently. I’m hoping this is one trend that will trickle down the fashion line and prompt other designers to start using type as a sculptural element in shoes. If only these shoes weren’t too high (I have a 3″ heel cap) and too expensive … sigh.

I knew we were getting out of the winter blues when the trees started budding and Essie released its spring color line up for nail polish! Now I would like to clarify that I do not follow seasonal colors avidly, but saw these swatches in a magazine add and fell in love. The Art of Spring collection has a great mix of punch and femininity; very refreshing after the darker moody hues of the previous season. Eventually I’ll make my way over to Ulta to get my hands on my favorite, Tart Deco. Though it will probably take some serious restraint not to get them all … Continue reading →

Last night Phish made my life better again by announcing their summer tour!!! It kicks off on June 11th in Chicago and runs through August 18th, wrapping up with two nights at Jones Beach, NY. I already put in for tickets and will be crossing my fingers that I score some for the Ntelos Pavillion in P-town. Who else is in?

I present to you the Wayne Coyne Residence in Oklahoma City, OK, the coolness I would expect from the front man of the Flaming Lips. Take a tour of the renovated home, which is slowly being turned into a rockin compound complete with a custom white shower room! See more and read more about this one of a kind project by Fitzsimmons Architechs here.

I am not a big fan of flying and have a love/ hate relationship with Southwest Airlines. I have traveled with them repeatedly in the past and am not enthralled, but lets be honest they are one of the few airlines I can afford to fly and I’ve had a few really bad experiences. Well earlier this week I found out that having a flight attendant throw my coat at me and then cram my laptop bag (with my mac in it) violently into the overhead compartment is not the worst thing that can happen when traveling with Southwest…
While listening to Kevin Smith’s weekly podcast, SModcast, I learned that you can actually be kicked off a plane for being too fat. I would suggest listening to Kevin’s account (#106) of the situation and then Natalie (#107), his fellow traveler’s story before you pass too much judgement based on the hype surrounding the situation. I can’t fathom the humiliation they suffered in that scenario, because really the heart of the matter is that it was a bad situation made worse by poor customer service. No matter what size you are, everyone has a right to their dignity; so thanks Kevin for using the platform you have to bring attention to the situation. Continue reading →